🕊 Signs of the #Dying Phase ( #Terminal Phase) – Cheat Sheet

Four Basic Criteria:

Bedbound
➔ Patient is no longer able to get out of bed.

Semi-comatose
➔ Patient has greatly reduced consciousness, minimally responsive.

Only able to take sips of fluid
➔ Oral intake is extremely reduced, mostly sips.

Unable to verbally communicate
➔ Patient can no longer engage in meaningful conversation.

⚡️ Other Common Signs of the Dying Phase

Reduced urine output (very small amounts, dark urine).
Mottled skin (especially hands and feet turning bluish/purple).
Cool extremities (cold hands and feet).
Irregular breathing patterns (e.g., Cheyne-Stokes breathing).
No longer taking oral medications (but this is not one of the core four criteria).
Increasing periods of unresponsiveness.
Changes in vital signs (low BP, weak pulse).

🛑 Important Points for Care

Prioritize comfort over curative treatments.
Communicate clearly with family about expected changes.
Regular mouth care even if patient is not eating or drinking.
Review medications — stop non-essential drugs.

Emotional, spiritual, and psychological support for the patient and family.

📝 Quick Mnemonic for the Four Criteria:

"BEDS"

Bedbound
End-stage consciousness (semi-comatose)
Drinking very little (sips only)
Speech loss (unable to communicate)